Protective eyewear including auxiliary lenses

ABSTRACT

An eyewear assembly includes an outer first frame, at least one outer first lens, an inner second frame, and at least one inner second lens. The assembly includes a mechanism for holding the first frame and first lens in front of a user&#39;s face. The second frame has a mechanism for attachment to the first frame, to hold the second frame between the user&#39;s eyes and the first lens. The at least one second lens is carried by the second frame. The second frame includes a first frame portion that mounts the second lens and a second frame portion overmolded onto the first frame portion defining portions of the outside surface area of the second frame. The first frame portion is of a relatively hard material and the second frame portion is of a relatively soft material. Strap anchors include louvers for directing air at side vents of the first frame. The first frame includes a central elevated vent to distribute air over top vent openings of the first frame. Grip warts are provided on the first frame for gripping and manipulation by the user.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional applicationsSer. No. 60/681,610 filed May 17, 2005 and 60/722,575 filed Oct. 1,2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to eyewear, particularly to ballisticprotective eyewear, provisions provided by the protective eyewear tomount inner lenses, and ventilation and structure of protective eyewearframes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Specially adapted, protective eyewear is used today by soldiers and lawenforcement officers. The use of such eyewear is particularlyadvantageous in harsh environments where sunlight, wind, dust and debriscan be hazardous to eyesight. Additionally, such eyewear can be designedto protect the eyes against some level of impact of fragments andprojectiles during battle. Such eyewear includes the Sawfly™ shield,Bullet Ant™ goggles or Desert Locust™ goggles available from RevisionMilitary of Montreal, Canada, or Revision Eyewear, Ltd. of Williston,Vt., USA.

Provisions have been made in protective eyewear for adapting the eyewearto accept a prescription lens assembly behind the outer protective lensof the eyewear. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,790,230; 5,412,438 and 4,810,080describe such provisions.

The present inventors have recognized that such systems can be improvedto achieve additional benefits. The present inventors have recognizedthat it would be advantageous to provide an inner lens sub-assembly,such as for prescription lenses, for fitment to protective eyewearwherein the inner lens subassembly is shatter resistant, preventsscratching of the protective eyewear lens by the inner lenssub-assembly, ensures an air passage between the inner and outer lenses,and is more easily finger manipulated by the user.

The present inventors have recognized that it would be desirable toprovide a protective eyewear, such as goggles, that improved ventilationthrough the eyewear to prevent fogging of the protective eyewear lens.The present inventors have recognized that it would be desirable toprovide protective eyewear that is easily assembled, cost effectivelymanufactured, reliable, and conforms comfortably to the user's face, andis easily manipulated and handled by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a protectiveeyewear assembly that includes an inner lens sub-assembly for fitment toprotective eyewear that is shatter resistant, that prevents scratchingof the outer protective eyewear lens by the inner lens sub-assembly, andthat is more easily finger manipulated by the user. The presentinvention provides at least two types of outer protective eyewear thatare configured to receive and mount the same inner lens sub-assembly.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an eyewearassembly is provided that includes a first frame, at least one outerfirst lens, a second frame, and at least one inner second lens. Theassembly includes a mechanism for holding the first frame in front of auser's face.

The at least one first lens is held by the first frame and positioned infront of the user's face. The at least one second lens is carried by thesecond frame. The second frame has a mechanism for attachment to thefirst frame to hold the second frame between the user's eyes and thefirst lens. The second frame comprises a first frame portion that mountsthe second lens and a second frame portion attached to the first frameportion. The second frame portion defines at least a portion of theoutside surface of the second frame. The first frame portion is of arelatively hard material and the second frame portion is of a relativelysoft material.

Preferably, the at least one second lens comprises two lenses arrangedside-by-side and the first frame portion circumscribes each second lens.

Preferably the second frame portion extends partially in between thefirst lens and the first frame portion to ensure an air gap between thefirst lens and the two second lenses.

Preferably, the second frame portion is laterally co-extensive with thefirst frame portion. Preferably, the second lenses arevision-correcting, prescription lenses.

Preferably, the first frame portion comprises a relatively hardpolycarbonate material, or perhaps a polyamide (nylon) material and thesecond frame portion comprises a PVC or polyurethane material.Preferably, the second frame portion is overmolded onto the first frameportion.

According to another aspect of the invention, an eyewear assembly isprovided for mounting to a protective eyewear frame behind at least oneprotective lens carried by the protective eyewear frame. The eyewearassembly includes an inner frame, at least one inner lens, and at leastone spacer. The inner frame is composed of a first material. The atleast one inner lens is supported by the inner frame. The at least onespacer is mounted to the inner frame and composed of a second materialsofter than the first material and fronts a portion of the inner frame.

Preferably the at least one spacer comprises two spacers, one located ateach of lateral end of the inner frame. Preferably the spacers areovermolded onto the frame.

A backing portion can be provided, composed of the second material andsubstantially coextensive with a rear surface of the inner frame, thebacking portion overmolded onto the inner frame, the backing portioncontiguous and continuous with the spacers.

According to one embodiment the outer protective lens is incorporatedinto a shield-type eyewear. According to another embodiment the outerprotective lens is incorporated into a pair of goggles. The inner lenssub-assembly, including frame and lens, is configured to be fit andmounted into either embodiment. The inner lens sub-assembly is thus auniversal part, compatible with either embodiment. A cost andconvenience advantage is achieved for the manufacturer and the user.

According to another aspect of the invention, protective goggles areprovided that include a multi-component frame comprising a soft framewhich holds a protective lens and which conforms to a user's face, andtwo relatively rigid strap anchor portions mounted on either side of theframe. The strap anchor portions include a mechanism for engaging astrap for mounting the protective goggles to the user's face andinwardly directed louvers for directing air toward side ventilationopenings of the frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, protective goggles areprovided that include a frame surrounding a protective lens, the framehaving a central vent opening in a top region wherein the central ventopening allows air to pass through the frame to an open region above topventilation openings through the frame. The goggles further includelouvers on opposite sides thereof, the louvers directing air toward sideventilation openings for the frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, the protective gogglesinclude grip warts or bumps that assist in gripping and manipulation ofthe goggles by a user. The grip warts can be extensions of the softgoggle frame material that are exposed through openings provided in thestrap anchor portions. The grip warts can serve the dual purpose ofproviding a user gripping function and assisting in the securement ofthe strap anchor portions to the rest of the goggle frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, a nosepiece for an eyewearlens includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portionincludes a mechanism for holding the lens. The front portion is composedof a relatively hard material and the rear portion is composed of arelatively soft material.

The rear portion is shaped to support the lens on a wearer's nose. Oneof the front portion and the rear portion comprises at least one tabularflange member extending toward the other of the front portion and therear portion, wherein the other of the front portion and the rearportion comprises a hole shaped to closely receive the tabular flangemember to assemble the front portion to the rear portion. Preferablyadhesive is used on the tabular flange member before it is inserted intothe-hole to tightly fix the two parts. This configuration provides asecure fixment of the two part nosepiece that is foreseen to provide amore reliable construction, less prone to being damaged and separated.

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will bebecome readily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention and the embodiments thereof, the claims and from theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a nosepiece taken from FIG.1;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the nosepiece of FIG. 1A as assembled;

FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view of an alternate nosepiece;

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the alternate nosepiece of FIG. 1C, asassembled;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a prescription lens frame taken from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6A is an exploded front perspective view of the lens frame of FIG.3;

FIG. 6B is an exploded rear perspective of the lens frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 withauxiliary frame not shown;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken generally along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken generally along line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a pair of goggles according to another aspectof the invention;

FIG. 10A is a front view of a lens taken from the embodiment shown inFIG. 10;

FIG. 10B is a sectional view taken generally along line 10B-10B of FIG.10.

FIG. 10C is a sectional view taken generally along line 10C-10C of FIG.10;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the goggles of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the goggles of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the goggles of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the goggles of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a portion of the goggles shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the portion shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a right side view of the portion shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18A is a front view of a strap anchor taken from FIG. 10;

FIG. 18B is a rear view of the strap anchor taken from FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18C is a slight perspective view of the strap anchor taken fromFIG. 18A;

FIG. 18D is a right side perspective view of the strap anchor taken fromFIG. 18A, tipped upward;

FIG. 18E is a right side perspective view of the strap anchor taken fromFIG. 18A, tipped downward;

FIG. 19 is a front view of an auxiliary frame taken from FIG. 10;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the auxiliary shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the auxiliary shown in FIG.19;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary front view of the auxiliary frame mounted to anadapter taken from FIG. 10;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary rear view of the prescription lens framemounted to an adapter shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of an auxiliary frame and analternate nosepiece taken from FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a right side view of the alternate nosepiece taken from FIG.25;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternate embodimentauxiliary frame and nose piece;

FIG. 29 is a front view of a further alternate embodiment auxiliaryframe and goggle adapter;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a nosepiece for use with the auxiliaryframe of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the auxiliary frame shown in FIG.29;

FIG. 32 is a front view of an alternate embodiment auxiliary frame;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an alternate goggle adapter; and

FIG. 34 is a front view of the goggle adapter of FIG. 33.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein indetail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theprinciples of the invention and is not intended to limit the inventionto the specific embodiments illustrated.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional applicationsSer. No. 60/681,610 filed May 17, 2005 and 60/722,575 filed Oct. 1,2005, herein incorporated by reference.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first assembly 10 that incorporates the presentinvention. The assembly 10 includes a military-type protective shield 14such as the Sawfly™ shield available from Revision Military of Montreal,Canada, or Revision Eyewear, Ltd. of Williston, Vt., USA. The shield 14includes a frame 20 which releasably holds a lens 22. The lens 22 can bea projectile impact resistant lens. In this regard the lens 22 can becomposed of optical grade polycarbonate having a thickness of about 2.4mm in a central location and a decreasing thickness to about 1.8 mm atits edges. The frame 20 includes a frame bar or bridge 26 and a pair ofside temples 28. The temples 28 are pivotally attached to the bridge 26by hinges 32. Provisions can be made along the temples for adjusting thelength of the temples.

A nosepiece 36 is fit onto the lens 22 along a notched area 38.Provisions in the form of tabs, hooks or claws 42 are provided in thenotched area 38 to underlie bottom edges 36 a of the nosepiece to holdthe nosepiece to the lens 22. The nosepiece 36 is snapped up into thelens 22 until the hooks 42 underlie the edges 36 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A and 1B the nosepiece 36 comprises a two-partassembly. A front base part 46 locks to a rear cushion part 48 vialocking pins 52 that are secured into apertures 53. Preferably, adhesiveis applied to the pins 52 before assembly into the apertures 53 for asecure adhesive fixation of the two-part assembly. The rear cushion partcan be a soft rubber part. The front base part 46 includes a groove 56for receiving the notched area 38 of the lens 22, the groove in partdefined by a front wall 57 and a rear wall 58. A rearward directedabutment 62 extends from the rear wall 58 which serves to verticallysupport an inner lens sub-assembly 65 as described below. A retainingtab 66 extends vertically from the abutment 62. The retaining tab 66includes a rearward directed locking nub 67.

The front base part 46 is preferably composed of a polycarbonatematerial and the rear cushion part 48 is preferably composed of arelatively soft PVC material.

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate an alternate embodiment nosepiece 39 having afront base part 39 a and a rear cushion part 39 b. The front base part39 a includes tabular flanges 68 that are configured to be closely fitinto rectangular holes 69 that are formed in the rear cushion part 39 b.Preferably, adhesive is applied to the tabular flanges 68 beforeinsertion into the holes 69 to ensure a tight fixation of the two parts39 a/39 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the inner lens sub-assembly 65 is fit onto theabutment 62 behind the rear wall 58 of the groove and onto the retainingtab 66. The inner lens sub-assembly 65 includes an aperture describedbelow which captures the tab 66 to lock assembly 65 to the base part 46.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-6B, the inner lens sub-assembly 65 comprises aframe 72 that holds left and right lenses 76, 78. The frame 72 comprisesa base frame part 82 that includes left and right apertured parts 84, 85that respectively surround and hold the lenses 76, 78, and a bridge part86 that connects the apertured parts 84, 85. The base frame part 82 ispreferably composed of a relatively hard polycarbonate material. Thebase frame part 82 provides a rigid skeletal structure for supportingand orienting the lenses 76, 78. The lenses 76, 78 are preferablyvision-correcting, prescription lenses or other type of vision enhancingor protecting lenses. The lenses 76, 78 can advantageously be composedof a polycarbonate prescription lens material or a CR39 plastic polymerprescription lens material.

A second frame part is 102 is applied onto the base frame part 82. Thesecond frame part 102 includes end extending portions 106, 108 that arelocated at the opposite lateral extremes of the frame 72. Whenassembled, the portions 106, 108 extend forwardly of the adjacentregions 84, 85 and act as soft bumpers between the frame 72 and the lens22. The second frame part 102 also extends behind the frame 72 with asurface backing portion 112 substantially laterally co-extensive withthe apertured parts 84, 85 and bridge 86 and continuous with theextending portions 106, 108.

The second frame part 102 is preferably composed of a PVC material or aurethane material that is softer than the material of the first framepart 82. The material of the second frame part is resilient and moregrippable than the material of the first frame part 82. Being softerthan the first fame part 82, the material of the second frame part 102is more shatter resistant from projectiles and force contact and wouldtend to retain together pieces of an otherwise shattered frame part 82.

The softer material of the frame part 102 also prevents scratching ofthe lens 22 by the frame 72 during incidental contact during assembly ofthe inner lens sub-assembly 65 to the shield 14. The extending portions106, 108 also act as spacers between the frame 72 and the lens 22 toensure air flow between the lens 22 and the lenses 76, 78 to reducefogging.

Preferably, the second frame part 102 is “overmolded” onto the firstframe part 82. According to this method, after the first frame part 82is molded, it is placed into a second mold, or the first mold can bemade adjustable to increase in size and change in shape, and the secondframe part 102 is then molded onto the first frame part 82. Example ofovermolding methods for other articles are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,601,272 B2; 5,182,0321 and 5,934,762 all herein incorporated byreference.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that the bridge 86 includes an oval aperture114 intersected by a lock aperture 115 at approximately a right angle.When the inner lens sub-assembly 65 is fit onto the abutment 62 the tab66 fits into the oval aperture 115 until the nub 67 snaps into the lockaperture 115, to releasably lock the assembly 65 to the nosepiece 36.

FIG. 6A and 6B illustrate the frame 72 comprising the first frameportion 82 and the overmolded second frame portion 102 as separatedcomponents to illustrate more clearly the relative shapes of these twocomponents. The frame portion 82 includes indented lateral regions 82 a,82 b around which the portions 106, 108 are molded. As shown in FIG. 6B,the bridge portion 86 includes a series of curved grooves 86 a intowhich a series of curved ribs 102 a of the second frame portion 102 aremolded. The ribs 102 a provide a frictional gripping region for the userto grasp the frame 72 to fit the assembly 65 onto the shield 14. Asillustrated in FIG. 6A, the first frame portion has a thickness t1,preferably about 4 mm. The second frame portion 102 has a thickness t2throughout the portion 112, preferably about 1 mm. The end portions 106,108 have a thickness t3, preferably about 5 mm.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an alternate embodiment 190 wherein the previouslydescribed inner lens sub-assembly 65 can be fit into goggles 200 thatenclose the user's eyes on the user's face. The goggles offer sunlight,wind, dust and debris protection. The goggles can be Bullet Ant™military-type goggles available from Revision Military of Montreal,Canada, or Revision Eyewear, Ltd. of Williston, Vt., USA. The goggles200 can include left and right lenses 201 a, 201 b that can beprojective impact resistant. In this regard the lens 201 a, 201 b can becomposed of optical grade polycarbonate having a thickness of about 2.2mm in a center of the lens and about 1.8 to 1.9 mm at the edge. In thisregard, FIG. 9 illustrates that the goggles 200 include a support 202that includes an abutment 203, a tab 204 extending perpendicularly fromthe abutment with a nub 206 extending perpendicularly from the tab 204.The support 202 includes an anchor portion 210 that is locked intosurrounding portions of the goggle 200. The parts 203, 204 and 206function identically to the parts 62, 66 and 67 of the previouslydescribed embodiment. The support is preferably composed of a polyamideor Nylon material.

As with the previously described embodiment, the frame part 102 providedon the frame part 82 prevents scratching of lenses 201 a, 201 b of thegoggles 200 and will space the frame 72 and lenses 76, 78 from a rearsurface of the lenses 201 a, 201 b to ensure an air space therebetweento reduce fogging. The previously stated handling and shatter resistanceadvantageous of the sub-assembly 65 is applicable to the secondembodiment as well.

The subassembly 65 can be used with either the shield 14 or the goggles200, providing a universal part.

FIG. 7A illustrates some features of the goggles 200, with the auxiliaryframe not shown. The goggles 200 include a surrounding flexible skirt214 that includes a plurality of hexagonal vent holes 216 through thetop and bottom. An air permeable filter material ring 218 is fit intothe skirt 214 and substantially covers the inside of the holes 214. Thefront frame 222 of the goggles includes a plurality of frontal ventholes 226 that allow outside air to enter into the goggles through afront face of the ring 218.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment protective eyewear in theform of goggles 300. The goggles offer sunlight, wind, dust and debrisprotection. The goggles can be Desert Locust™ goggles available fromRevision Military of Montreal, Canada, or Revision Eyewear, Ltd. ofWilliston, Vt., USA.

The goggles 300 are mirror image identical across a centerline 350, sothat a description of one side is sufficient to describe both sides. Thegoggles 300 include a front protective lens 302 (FIG. 10A) that isremovably held within a frame 306. The protective lens can be clear or alight treating or blocking lens, or other type of lens. The lens can bea projectile impact resistant lens. The lens can be composed of opticalgrade polycarbonate having a thickness of about 3 mm in a center of thelens and about 2.1 mm at the edge. The frame 306 includes a concave noseconforming region 310, bottom wall regions 312, 316, sidewall regions322, 326, an upper front region 330, a lower front region 332, and a topwall region 334. The upper front region 330 includes two vent openings342, 344 that straddle a centerline 350 of the frame 306, close to thecenterline 350.

One strap anchor 356, 358 is mounted on each side of the frame 306. Eachstrap anchor 356, 358 is removably mounted to the frame 306 as describedbelow. The top wall region 334, the bottom wall regions, 312, 316 andthe sidewalls regions 322, 326 all include ventilation openingsgenerally indicated as 357. An filter material 358 (shown only and FIGS.10B and 10C) is applied over the ventilation openings.

The goggles 300 include an adapter 360 that snap engages to an inside ofthe nose conforming region 310. A lens subassembly 365 is provided, heldbehind the protective lens 302. The subassembly includes at least one,and preferably two auxiliary lenses 366, 368, carried by an auxiliaryframe 370. The lenses can be prescription lenses, protective lenses,light treating lenses, or any other type of known lenses. The auxiliaryframe 370 snap engages to the adapter 360.

FIG. 11 illustrates that the goggles 300 include a rear skirt orsurrounding flexible flange 366 that is formed continuously with theportions 310, 312, 316, 322, 326, 334. The flange 366 conformscomfortably to the user's face as the goggles are worn.

The strap anchors 356, 358 each include an outer strap-engaging bar 372and an air louver 376. The air louver 376 is angled toward therespective sidewall region 322, 326 to direct air toward the ventilationopenings through sidewall regions and into the interior of the goggle.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18E, the strap anchors 356, 358 are mounted to theframe 306 by two top, downwardly extended rectangular tabs 382 a, 382 b,extending from a top flange 383 of the strap anchor, that fit tightlyinto oblong or rectangular holes 386 a, 386 b in the top wall region334, and bottom, upwardly extended rectangular tabs 392 a, 392 bextending from a bottom flange 393 of the strap anchor, that fitstightly into oblong or rectangular holes 396 a, 396 b in the respectivebottom wall region 312, 316. Additionally, the bottom flange 393 of theanchor includes a plurality, such as two, openings 396 a, 396 b thatregister with grip tabs, or grip bumps or grip warts 398 a, 398 b thathave a height greater than the thickness of the bottom flange 393 suchthat the grip warts are exposed outwardly of the bottom flange 393 ofthe strap anchor. The grip warts 398 a, 398 b provide an increasedgripping or friction between the goggles and the user's fingers formanipulating the goggle on the user's face. This is advantageousparticularly if the user is wearing gloves.

Preferably, the frame 306 is composed of a relatively soft urethanematerial, and the strap anchors 356, 358 are composed of a harder nylonmaterial forming rigid parts.

When the strap anchors 356, 358 are assembled to the frame 306,preferably the lens 302 is not yet fit into the frame 306. The tabs 382a, 382 b and 392 a, 392 b are fit into their respective holes 386 a, 386b and 396 a, 396 b in the frame 306. When the lens is installed, itrigidifies the frame 306 and thus helps to ensure the reliableengagement of the tabs and holes to secure the strap anchors 356, 358 tothe frame 306.

Referring to FIG. 10B, air can be inducted or pass through the filtermaterial 358 that covers the ventilation openings 357 of the sidewallregions, 322, 326 directed by the louvers 376 that are angled inwardly.

Referring to FIG. 10C, the front vents 342, 344 provide an air flow pathfrom in front of the goggles to an open area above the ventilationopenings through the top wall region 334. Air can be inducted or passthrough the vents 342, 344 to above the filter material of 358 thatcovers the ventilation openings 357 of the top wall region 334.

The auxiliary frame 370 is illustrated in FIGS. 19-21. The auxiliaryframe 370 includes a hard base frame part 402 that is over moldedcompletely on a backside face by a second frame part 404 that extendsaround the hard frame 402 to the front side in regions 406 a, 406 b, 406c, 406 d, 406 e, 406 f and 406 g. The hard frame part 402 and the softover molded second frame part 404 are substantially similar instructure, method of manufacturing, materials of construction,thickness, function and advantages as the configuration described abovewith respect to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, regarding the frame parts 82, 102.For example, the soft regions 406 a, 406 b, 406 c, 406 d, 406 e, 406 fand 406 g extend slightly forwardly of the hard frame part 402 and helpto prevent scratching of the protective lens by the hard frame part 402,and also help separate the protective lens from the auxiliary lens toallow air flow therebetween to help prevent fogging of the protectivelens.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 21 illustrate two embodiments of the auxiliary frame 15in exploded fashion, with the hard base frame part and the soft secondframe part shown as separate elements for clarity of description. Inpractice, the two parts are not necessarily separable since preferablythe soft layer component is molded onto the hard frame component.

A downwardly extended tab 410 is used to secure the auxiliary frame 370to the adapter 360. The tab 410 includes a locking tang, ledge or pin416 that extends horizontally. The adapter 360 includes a slot 420 forreceiving the tab 410 and a recess ledge 422 for receiving the lockingtang 416. When the auxiliary frame 370 is pressed down onto the concave,nose conforming region 310, inside the goggle frame 306, the tab 410slides within the slot 420 and the tang 416 snap engages beneath therecess ledge 422 and removably secures the auxiliary frame 370 to theprotective frame 306. To assist in installing the auxiliary frame 370onto the concave region 410, guide portions 432, 434 could be providedon the adapter 360.

The adapter 360 includes a mounting flange 520 that includes threeresilient snap slots 522 a, 522 b, 522 c. Each snap slot engages acorresponding pin 532 formed inside and as part of the protective frame306 (only two pins shown in FIG. 17). This forms a three-point,removable attachment of the adapter 360 to the protective frame 306.

FIG. 25 shows a protective shield 600 similar to the protective shieldshown in FIG. 1. However, the auxiliary frame 370 described in FIGS.19-21 snap fits into an alternate nosepiece 606 (FIGS. 26, 27). Thealternate nosepiece 606 installs onto the lens 22 in the same fashion asdescribed with respect to FIG. 1, however the alternate nosepiece 606includes a slot 610 (shown with hidden line in FIG. 27) having a recessledge 612. The tab 410 slides into the slot 610 and the tang 416 snapbeneath the recess ledge 612 to removably retain the auxiliary lens 370onto the alternate nosepiece 606.

FIG. 28 shows an alternate embodiment auxiliary frame 670 that issubstantially identical to the auxiliary frame 370 except that raisedribs 686, 688 are formed on side walls 672, 674 of lens frames 678, 680,below the bridge 684. The ribs 686, 688 extend substantially verticallyfrom a position near the tab 410 to a position near a bottom of the lensframes 678, 680. The ribs 686, 688 are mirror image identical across avertical centerline of the frame 670.

An alternate nosepiece 700 for fitment to a protective shield, such asshown in FIG. 25, includes grooves 706, 708 (708 not visible) thatreceive the ribs 686, 688 as the frame 670 is slid down onto thenosepiece 700, until the tab 410 and the tang 416 (not shown) engage thenosepiece as previously described.

Although a nosepiece 700 is described and shown in FIG. 28, the grooves706, 708 could also be provided in an adapter for fitment to a gogglesuch as shown in FIGS. 14 and 22-24.

FIGS. 29 and 31 illustrate a further embodiment auxiliary frame 770identical to the auxiliary frame 370 except for the addition ofprotrusions 772, 774 arranged on the inside walls 782, 784 of the lensframes 785, 786, below the bridge 788.

The protrusions 772, 774 fit within a modified adapter 792 for mountingthe auxiliary frame 770 to a goggle such as shown in FIGS. 14 and 22-24.The modified adapter 792 includes indentations 802, 804 for receivingthe protrusions 772, 774. The interaction of the protrusions 772, 774with the indentations 802, 804 can be a snap fit engagement or merely aguided arrangement. The indentations can be open in the fore and aftdirection, or can be closed in the fore and aft direction. In the lattercase, the indentations would guide the frame 770 in the fore and aftdirection and the left and right direction. In either case, theindentations could restrain the auxiliary frame in the verticaldirection as well if the interaction between the protrusions 772, 774and the indentations 802, 804 is a snap fit engagement.

FIG. 30 illustrates a modified nosepiece 810 for fitment to theauxiliary frame 770 and installation onto a protective shield such asshown in FIG. 25. The nosepiece 410 includes openings 812, 814 forreceiving the protrusions 772, 774, and a top slot 816 for receiving thetab 410 and tang 416.

FIG. 32 illustrates an auxiliary frame 900 that is substantiallyidentical to the frame 370 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 except that thebridge area 904 has a somewhat different shape.

FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate an alternate adapter 920 that is similar tothe adapter 360 except that the guides 432, 434 are not used and sides924, 926 of the adapter 920 are substantially linear. The auxiliaryframe 900 is mounted and secured to the adapter 920 using the tab 410combined with a close fitting or frictional arrangement between thesides 930, 932 of the auxiliary frame 900 (FIG. 32) and the sides 924,926 of the adapter. The adapter is mounted to the goggles in the samemanner as is the adapter 360.

It can be recognized that for any of the eyewear embodiments describedin this specification, the outer protective shield or goggle can be wornwithout the auxiliary lens or lenses, for example, if prescriptioneyewear is not needed. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, forexample, if no auxiliary lens is desired, the adapter 360 need not beinstalled.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations andmodifications may be effected without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation withrespect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended orshould be inferred.

1. Eyewear comprising: a first frame having a mechanism for holding theframe in front of a user's face; at least one first lens held by saidframe and positioned in front of a user's face; a second frame having amechanism for attachment to said first frame to hold said second framebetween the user's eyes and the first lens, said second frame having asurface area; at least one second lens carried by said second frame; andwherein said second frame comprises a first frame portion that mountssaid second lens and a second frame portion attached to said first frameportion, and defining at least a portion of said surface area of saidsecond frame, said first frame portion being of a relatively hardmaterial and said second frame portion being of a relatively softmaterial.
 2. The eyewear according to claim 1, wherein said at least onesecond lens comprises two second lenses arranged side-by-side and saidfirst frame portion circumscribes each said second lens.
 3. The eyewearaccording to claim 2, wherein said second frame portion extendspartially in between said first lens and said first frame portion toensure an air gap between said first lens and said two second lenses. 4.The eyewear according to claim 3, wherein said second frame portion islaterally co-extensive with said first frame portion.
 5. The eyewearaccording to claim 3, wherein said second lenses are vision-correctinglenses.
 6. The eyewear according to claim 5, wherein said first frameportion comprises a polycarbonate material and said second frame portioncomprises a PVC or polyurethane material.
 7. The eyewear according toclaim 1, wherein said first frame portion comprises a polycarbonatematerial and said second frame portion comprises a PVC or polyurethanematerial.
 8. The eyewear according to claim 1, wherein said second frameportion is overmolded onto said first frame portion.
 9. An eyewearassembly for mounting to a protective eyewear frame behind at least oneprotective lens, comprising: an inner frame composed of a firstmaterial; at least one inner lens supported by said inner frame; atleast one spacer mounted to said inner frame and composed of a secondmaterial softer than said first material and extending in front of saidinner frame.
 10. The eyewear according to claim 9, wherein said at leastone spacer comprises two spacers, one located at each of lateral end ofsaid inner frame.
 11. The eyewear according to claim 10, wherein saidspacers are overmolded onto said frame.
 12. The eyewear according toclaim 10, comprising a backing portion composed of said second materialand substantially coextensive with a rear surface of said inner frame,said backing portion overmolded onto said inner frame, said backingportion contiguous with said spacers.
 13. A protective eyewear,comprising: a protective eyewear frame comprising a frame opening forholding a protective lens, a front face region, a top wall regionadjacent said front face region, sidewall regions, and bottom wallregions, said top wall region having substantially vertically directedventilation openings, said sidewall regions comprising substantiallyhorizontally directed ventilation openings, said front face regionincluding substantially horizontally directed front ventilation openingsthat direct outside air through the front face region to an top areaopen to outside air and located above the substantially verticallydirected ventilation openings of the top wall region; strap anchorportions adjacent said sidewall regions that provide attachments formounting the protective frame to a user's head, wherein said strapanchor portions include louvers for directing air inwardly toward saidhorizontally directed ventilation openings of said sidewall regions; anda protective lens mounted to said frame opening.
 14. The protectiveeyewear according to claim 13, comprising an auxiliary frame holding atleast one auxiliary lens, said auxiliary frame mounted beneath said topwall region of said protective frame, said auxiliary frame having adownwardly extended tab and said protective frame having a slot arrangedto receive said tab to removably attach said auxiliary frame to saidprotective frame.
 15. The protective eyewear according to claim 14wherein said downwardly extended tab includes a horizontally extendedtang for locking said tab into said slot.
 16. The protective eyewearaccording to claim 13 wherein said protective frame includes grip wartsfor gripping and manipulating the protective eyewear.
 17. The protectiveeyewear according to claim 16 wherein said bottom wall regions of saidprotective frame comprise a soft material and said grip warts are formedto extended outwardly from said bottom wall regions, and said strapanchor portions comprise separate parts that are of a relatively hardermaterial, said strap anchor portions include openings for receiving saidgrip warts and said grip warts have a height sufficient to extendedoutwardly of said strap anchor portions.
 18. A protective eyewear,comprising: a protective eyewear frame comprising a frame opening forholding a protective lens, a front face region, a top wall regionadjacent said front face region, sidewall regions, and bottom wallregions, said protective frame includes grip warts for assisting thegripping and manipulation of the protective eyewear; and a protectivelens mounted to said frame opening.
 19. The protective eyewear accordingto claim 18, wherein said front face region includes strap anchorportions that provide attachments for mounting the protective frame to auser's head, wherein said strap anchor portions include louvers fordirecting air inwardly toward horizontally directed ventilation openingsof said sidewall regions.
 20. The protective eyewear according to claim18, wherein said grip warts extend vertically downward from a bottom ofsaid frame.
 21. A nosepiece for an eyewear lens, comprising: a frontportion including a mechanism for holding the lens, said front portionbeing composed of a relatively hard material; and a rear portioncomposed of a relatively soft material, and shaped to support said lenson a wearer's nose, one of said front portion and said rear portioncomprising at least one tabular flange member extending toward the otherof said front portion and said rear portion, said other of said frontportion and said rear portion comprising a hole shaped to closelyreceive said tabular flange member to assemble said front portion tosaid rear portion.
 22. Protective eyewear comprising: a first framehaving a mechanism for holding the frame in front of a user's face; atleast one first lens held by said frame and positioned in front of auser's face; a second frame having a mechanism for attachment to saidfirst frame to hold said second frame between the user's eyes and thefirst lens, said second frame having a surface area; at least one secondlens carried by said second frame; wherein said mechanism for attachmentcomprises a tab extending vertically on one of said first frame or saidsecond frame and an aperture on the respective other of said first frameor said second frame for receiving said tab.
 23. The eyewear accordingto claim 22, wherein said tab comprises a locking element that extendssubstantially perpendicularly therefrom, said locking element configuredto pass through said aperture and overlie a recess adjacent to saidaperture to releasably lock said first and second frames.
 24. Aprotective eyewear, comprising: a protective eyewear frame comprising aframe opening for holding a protective lens; a pair of strap anchorportions that provide attachments for mounting the protective frame to auser's head, said strap anchor portions being of a harder material thansaid frame, said strap anchor portions fixedly secured to said frame bytabs and holes applied between said strap anchor portions and saidframe; and a protective lens mounted to said frame opening.
 25. Theprotective eyewear according to claim 24, wherein said engagementbetween said tabs and holes is secured by the subsequent installation ofsaid protective lens to said frame opening.
 26. The protective eyewearaccording to claim 24, wherein said strap anchor portions includelouvers for directing air inwardly toward horizontally directedventilation openings through said frame.